One wrote: "This is the first time in years I've watched Emmerdale and I am full on sobbing at a dog being hit by a van."

Another tweeted: "@emmerdale I hate how you showed a poor dog in pain. It's uncalled for and I'm in tears. That was horrible."

A further viewer tweeted: "Why has Emmerdale just shown an injured dog, my heart can't take that 😩 no need!" while someone else wrote: "Ahhh no @emmerdale you've tipped me over the edge with that dog! 😢😢😢 best actor on this soap tho! #Emmerdale."

ITV

Viewers were devastated to see Alfie injured

@emmerdale I hate how you showed a poor dog in pain. It's uncalled for and I'm in tears. That was horrible.